This is one of two stories about hospital chaplaincy in the Diocese of Camden. Read the first installment here.
ATCO – Nancy DiSeveria’s path to hospital chaplaincy began 14 years ago, when she was going through a major surgery. At the time, her priest at Church of the Holy Family in Sewell was Father Sanjai Devis, who happened to be a hospital chaplain. He often visited her as she recovered.
“He would bring me Holy Communion, sit and talk with me. It was a challenging time, but it was a blessing to have him walk with me,” she recalled. “Father Sanjai was a beacon of light that paved the way for my ability to turn to the Lord and surrender all my cares and concerns to Him.”
Five years later, DiSeveria began working in hospital chaplaincy, too. “I wanted to provide pastoral, loving care to those suffering, and also bring them the Eucharist, which brought me so much peace,” she said.
DiSeveria was among those honored last month by VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services Diocese of Camden for their work in hospital chaplaincy. Nearly two dozen of these dedicated individuals gathered for Mass and breakfast at Christ the Redeemer Parish.
“I thank you for being dedicated and devoted to your ministry. You are the hands and feet of Christ in the hospitals, nursing homes and rehab facilities,” noted Nicole Keefer, executive director of VITALity.
“Your ministry and presence … to those who are in very difficult situations lets them know that they are valued, appreciated and loved,” she said.
Those who serve in hospital ministry in the Diocese of Camden pose for a photo with VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services staff on Feb. 26 after Mass at Christ the Redeemer Parish, Atco
‘Action of Love’
Keefer specifically pointed out DiSeveria, who was associate chaplain of Jefferson Hospital, Washington Township, and Inspira, Mullica Hill, from 2017 until late last year.
“She’s been a constant, loving presence,” Keefer said, presenting DiSeveria with yellow roses as her peers applauded.
Throughout her ministry, DiSeveria has been guided by the words of Saint Mother Teresa: “Every time you smile at someone, it’s an action of love, a gift to that person.”
“When I walk into a patient’s room, the first thing I do is smile at them. More times than not, it changes their day, and they relax,” DiSeveria said.
Over the years, she’s been blessed to develop friendships with some of those who’s she ministered to, a sign that she’s making healing connections. The healing isn’t a one-way street, either.
“I’ve been inspired by patients’ joy, devoutness and the holiness that pours out through them in their suffering,” she noted. “Through their struggles, I’ve seen their joy, and it’s lifted me up.”
Retiring from full-time ministry in December 2025, she hasn’t completely put her chaplain days behind her, as she spends every Friday bringing Holy Communion to patients at Jefferson Hospital.
“There’s been so many wonderful experiences and moments that I’ m so thankful for,” she said.
Spiritual Investment
Stepping into DiSeveria’s role at Inspira is Mariann Gilbride, who as associate chaplain, leads a team of 12 volunteers to provide care to about 50 to 60 patients each day.
Gilbride, a parishioner of Christ the King in Haddonfield, has a long history of relationship-building in the Diocese of Camden. She served for nearly 20 years in the diocesan Office of Development, retiring as executive director in 2022. Now, she invests in the spiritual well-being of others.
From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., five days a week, she brings Holy Communion, conversation and prayer to patients and their families, “helping them be the best they can be.”
He initial conversations with new patients and families don’t always include the faith, but on focusing on their comfort level. “I don’t know where they are on their spiritual journey, so I chat with them, ask if there’s anything I can do.”
In the relationships and trust that forms, “I can pray with them, and not just an ‘Our Father’ and ‘Hail Mary,’ but help them with a personal prayer, such as thanking God for all the people who’ve walked with them on their journey.”
Looking back over her life, Gilbride sees how her own relationship with family pointed to her future vocation. “I was always the one working as the go-between with my family whenever one of them was sick and needed a priest or chaplain. That compassion was something I felt I could give.”
Now, she said, “I’m blessed to be able to help others pastorally and spiritually, and help connect them to God and where He might be leading them.”
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